Preschool Paraprofessional

Come join our team! We are looking for a Preschool Paraprofessional to join our preschool district classroom.

Job Description

The Preschool Paraprofessional serves as a member of The Gateway Family YMCA staff team. Under the direction of the Preschool Teacher, and in harmony with the mission and purpose of the established policies and goals of The Gateway Family YMCA, the Preschool Paraprofessional is responsible for assisting the classroom teacher in a variety of instructional, clerical and/or classroom tasks, providing a safe, fun and positive environment for participants. The Preschool Paraprofessional aids in the education, health, welfare and safety of the members enrolled in their classroom and the preschool program. The Preschool Paraprofessional must demonstrate commitment to the YMCA’s four Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. Hours for the position may vary based on need but will typically be between the hours of 8:00am-2:45pm. The position starts in September and ends in June.

Benefits include: healthcare, Employee assistance program, Life insurance, Paid time off, Professional development assistance, Retirement plan

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years old or older
• Must possess a CDA, and/or an Associate Degree in Early Childhood and a High School diploma. Must have 2 years’ classroom experience as an aide or other suitable experience with children. Must possess a substitute certification.
• Must enroll at their expense and complete a CDA program within the first year of employment if the incumbent possesses only a High School Diploma
• CDA and/or an Associate Degree with Early Childhood Education or Child Development
• Must hold a certification in child CPR/First Aid/AED or obtain within 90 days of employment.
• Must have the ability to take charge of a group of children and follow lessons plans and curriculum instruction.
• Must have stamina and physical flexibility (walking, sitting, standing, bending, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, running, stretching, reaching, climbing, lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.) to participate in children's activities and communicate with children face to face.
• Must be able to accompany children up and downstairs to supervise activities such as, outdoor play, and fire drills.
• Experience with Creative Curriculum a plus.
  
  

Essential Functions

• Greet each child and parent upon arrival.
• Visually scan each child upon arrival and check for illness, disease, or any physical impairment. Note in daily report.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with each child in the classroom.
• Demonstrate warmth toward children and set positive examples by always using a pleasant and calm speaking voice.
• Comfort children when needed.
• Ability to use positive guidance with children’s social and emotional needs.
• Assist the teacher with the instructional lessons.
• Accompany children (to playground, and exterior of building) to supervise activities such as outdoor play, and fire drills.
• Must be able to set up cots/mats in classroom.
• Engage with all children during each part of the daily schedule.
• Assist children in maintaining proper personal hygiene and potty train children.
• Help teacher prepare materials for small group lessons.
• Help prepare and organize learning centers and bulletin boards.
• Help with classroom lesson plans as needed.
• Assist teacher with data collection daily.
• Assist in serving meals throughout the day.
• Help maintain the classroom environment (cleaning toys twice a week, keeping toys/books/games organized in each center, cleaning tables, chairs, and surfaces daily).
• Provide input to teachers about children's progress and record all incidents for teacher’s evaluation Be fully aware of policies of The Gateway Family YMCA and adhere to such guidelines daily.
• Maintain loyalty to the Y, conduct self with professional integrity, respect the confidentiality of families served and be an appropriate role model for the children/parents.
• Always maintain a safe & healthy environment and follow all YMCA and NJ Licensing policies and procedures.
• Risk/Facility Management: All Staff are responsible for assuring the safety of Y members/participants and for the care, maintenance and safety of all Y facility/program environments. In addition, all staff are required to report accidents/incidents/emergencies, immediately to Director and/or designee. Staff must also adhere to YMCA confidentiality requirements related to all reported incidents.
• Quality Assurance: All staff are expected to plan, deliver, and maintain quality programs, facilities and program environments. Staff will be expected to follow YMCA best practices for their program/membership discipline and to meet or exceed The Gateway Family YMCA’s expectations.
• Training/Staff Meetings: Attend all mandatory training and staff meetings, and risk management training within the specified timeframes. Keep abreast of current trends in facilities and risk management.
• Complete all Health and Safety training required by the YMCA and NJ Dept. of Licensing.
  
  

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

• Communication & Influence
• Developing Self & Others
• Functional Expertise
  
  

Required Certifications

• Must possess Paraprofessional certification or minimum of 60 college credits and/or CDA certification.
• Must hold a certification in child CPR/First Aid/AED or obtain within 90 days of employment.
• Substitute Certification required